Director, Donor Engagement

Are you a relationship-builder at heart, a strategist by nature, and someone who is energized by a perfectly segmented donor campaign? Do you believe that philanthropy isn’t just about dollars—it’s about connection, impact, and community?

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is on the lookout for a dynamic Director of Donor Engagement to lead the charge in turning generous hearts into lifelong champions of our mission. This isn’t just another fundraising role—it’s a chance to shape the entire donor experience, from the very first gift to enduring legacy. You’ll design journeys, craft compelling stories, spark meaningful stewardship, and create “wow” moments for supporters across every level.

If you're ready to inspire generosity, elevate giving strategies, and build a culture of gratitude that strengthens Jewish life in our region and beyond, keep reading. This is your opportunity to make impact happen.

Position Overview:

The Director of Donor Engagement leads the development and execution of a comprehensive donor engagement strategy that guides constituents through the donor lifecycle. This includes aligned efforts in acquisition, segmented solicitation (including direct marketing), and a unified approach to recognition and stewardship. The Director oversees the donor experience as it relates to cross-channel communications, recognition programs, and impact reporting; deepening donor relationships and ensuring all supporters—from first-time givers to major and legacy donors—experience consistent, meaningful engagement with the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

Community Engagement and Giving

• Oversee a comprehensive, multi-channel giving strategy that engages and retains donors across all segments—from first-time donors to major annual supporters.
• Collaborate with Communications team and Manager, Community Giving to develop segmented, multi-channel direct marketing campaigns (email, mail, digital, phone, social) tailored to donor motivations and giving behavior.
• Develop and manage segmentation strategies, donor journeys, and customized appeals to increase participation, average gift size, and donor retention.
• Establish clear benchmarks and KPIs to track donor acquisition, conversion, retention, and upgrade success.
• Personally cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of donors and prospects

Donor Stewardship & Retention

• Develop lifecycle communications that reinforce donor value, highlight impact, and inspire ongoing giving.
• Lead the creation of customized stewardship plans for key donor segments including first-time donors, recurring givers, mid-level donors, major donors, and legacy society members.
• With Communications team, oversee the production of impact reports, donor spotlights, personalized thank-you campaigns, and recognition initiatives.
• Design and manage exclusive donor impact experiences and events that deepen affinity and connect donors directly to the mission.
• Develop and implement a holistic stewardship plan – aligned with organizational values and messaging - that provides timely, personalized, and mission-driven recognition for donors at all giving levels.
• Collaborate with frontline fundraisers to support stewardship plans for leadership and major donors.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise team focused on community giving, donor relations, and stewardship, providing strategic guidance and professional development opportunities
• Build and maintain strong working relationships across the organization to support a culture of philanthropy and donor-centric thinking.
• Leads and collaborates with lay leadership co-chairs and committees to fulfill donor acquisition and stewardship goals.
• Collaborate with all members of FRD, including the Jewish Community Foundation to create a seamless donor experience and work closely with Sr. Director, Strategic Operations, as well as finance and database teams to ensure gift accuracy, reporting, and acknowledgment processes.

Data & Performance Management

• Use data analytics and donor behavior insights to guide segmentation, messaging, timing, and tactics.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and campaign metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform future strategies.
• Maintain accurate records and donor information in the CRM and ensure appropriate confidentiality and data integrity.

Qualifications:

• 6-8+ years of experience in total FRD fundraising, donor engagement, annual giving, stewardship, or donor relations, with demonstrated success in campaign strategy and donor engagement.
• Experience in management, leadership development, and mentorship and a proven record of maintaining a collegial work environment
• Strong donor-relations skills with a donor-centric mindset
• Demonstrated experience articulating a vision, translating it into executable strategy and driving cross-functional teams to deliver to established priorities with measurable positive impact on outcomes
• Data-driven decision-maker who is comfortable with analytics and data management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in management of membership or volunteer operations and working with volunteer committees
• First-hand knowledge of the Jewish community, its customs, and practices
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; comfortable with Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) and open to new technology